Talk:Lion's Share

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Does anyone know of an origin for this expression prior to Aesop's fable? In the fable, the lion's share is defined, quite clearly, by the lion himself, as all four quarters. I am aware that most people who use this term mean it as "the largest part," but assuming that the fable is the origin this expression is from the fable, that usage seems erroneous.

I suggest that the article mention both the common usage, as meaning "the greatest part," or "vast majority," etc., as well as the original meaning, that the lion takes all shares.

From http://www.hol.gr/greece/aesop1.htm

The Lion's Share

The Lion went once a-hunting along with the Fox, the Jackal, and the Wolf. They hunted and they hunted till at last they surprised a Stag, and soon took its life. Then came the question how the spoil should be divided. "Quarter me this Stag," roared the Lion; so the other animals skinned it and cut it into four parts. Then the Lion took his stand in front of the carcass and pronounced judgment: The first quarter is for me in my capacity as King of Beasts; the second is mine as arbiter; another share comes to me for my part in the chase; and as for the fourth quarter, well, as for that, I should like to see which of you will dare to lay a paw upon it."

"Humph," grumbled the Fox as he walked away with his tail between his legs; but he spoke in a low growl:

"You may share the labours of the great, but you will not share the spoil."

it seems that the version of this tale as told in the article did not coincide with the actual story. I have corrected this, as well as slightly re-wording the article in spots so that it reads better. Additionally, i see no relevance in the sentence which described the lion as specifically male, and have removed it accordingly. I may have missed something there, but I am fairly confident in its irrelevance. --Isis 19:03, 26 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Comment written on article

I have found the following unsigned comment on the article:

The formal historic definition (my adjectives) says the lion's share is all of that of which the lion partakes. The lion can have all he or she wants, and would most often take all.

Discussion is welcome. Peter O. (Talk) 03:38, 11 October 2006 (UTC)

  I'd like to add:  I too have always understood the richer meaning to be more subtle. 

  That it should be understood that the lion's share is simply "what ever the Lion wants". This leaves the lion to be even more powerful (controlling) than if he always take the majority (or all).

A lion would not settle for anything less than the whole amount. I think that people use this expression incorrectly and put their ignorance on display. e.g. "I could care less." (I couldn't care less...)